Abstract: Described are processes for producing citrate esters in, an economic fashion. Esters are prepared by esterification of a citric acid-containing fermentation broth having been treated to remove cations and optionally other impurities, but containing sugar(s). Esters are also prepared by reacting an impure aqueous citric acid source with an alcohol to provide a heterogeneous aqueous/organic reacted mixture, wherein the organic phase contains the ester and the aqueous phase retains water-soluble impurities. A liquid phase separation is then used to separate the organic and aqueous phases, conveniently separating the impurities from the product and avoiding the energy-intensive distillation of water from the reaction medium.

Abstract: A one-step synthesis of an alkali-metal hexamethyldisilazane is provided in which an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium is reacted with 1,1,1,3,3,3,-hexamethyldisilazane at a reaction temperature above the melting point of the alkali metal without the use of an electron carrier, alkali-metal derivatized reagents, such as alkyl-aryl organometals, alkali-metal amides and alkali-metal hydrides, or a catalyst.

Abstract: .alpha.-Arylalkanoic acids are prepared by a method comprising the step of reacting an alkylaromatic compound corresponding to the desired .alpha.-arylalkanoic acid with a new metallation reagent solution. The reagent comprises the reaction product of alkyllithium or aryllithium and about two to five molar equivalents of potassium tert-alkoxide in a trialkylamine solvent.

Abstract: Indole and indole derivatives are prepared by contacting under mild reaction conditions an N-(2-toly)formidate, N-(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)formimidate, or N-methyldiazyl formimidate with an alkali metal amide.

Abstract: .alpha.-Arylalkanoic acids are prepared by a method comprising the step of reacting an alkylaromatic compound corresponding to the desired .alpha.-arylalkanoic acid with a new metallation reagent solution. The reagent comprises the reaction product of alkyllithium or aryllithium and about two to five molar equivalents of potassium tert-alkoxide in a trialkylamine solvent.

Abstract: Potassium hydride and mixtures of potassium hydride with other alkali metal hydrides are prepared by contacting hydrogen with potassium or potassium alloys with other alkali metals, dispersed in an inert fluid, in the presence of a potassium phenanthride catalyst.